Scripture Focus
“Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.” – Daniel 7:19-22 (ESV)
Devotional Thought
The deeper I read about this fourth beast and what it does to the people of God, the more I understand why Daniel was greatly alarmed and his color changed (Daniel 7:28). This is a disturbing vision. The beast devours, breaks in pieces, and tramples what remains. The horn speaks arrogantly and makes war against the saints. Then Daniel tells us something especially troubling: it prevails against them.
The earlier beasts also represent powerful kingdoms, and God’s people knew what it meant to suffer under earthly rulers. But here the attack against the saints comes sharply into focus. Daniel sees a power that opposes God’s people and appears to win. We can understand why that frightened him. It should cause us to consider carefully what faithfulness to God may cost.
There is much debate about the identity of this fourth kingdom. My inclination is that the vision points ultimately toward a final expression of earthly power opposed to God and His people, which Christ will overthrow at His return. We have seen that opposition take many forms throughout history, and I believe its fullest expression is still to come. I offer that understanding humbly. Whatever questions remain about the kingdom’s identity, the passage leaves no uncertainty about its outcome: its dominion will end, and God’s people will receive the kingdom.
That brings us to the word in verse 22 that changes everything: “until.”
The horn made war against the saints and prevailed against them—until the Ancient of Days came. The enemy’s success had a limit. Its power was real, and the suffering it inflicted was real, but it could not determine the final outcome. God had neither forgotten His people nor surrendered His authority.
Daniel calls Him the Ancient of Days. The title directs our attention to the eternal God, whose authority does not rise and fall with the kingdoms of this earth. Before any of these rulers held power, God reigned. When their kingdoms have passed away, He will still reign. The beast may speak great things, but it must answer to Him.
In verses 13–14, Daniel also sees one like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approaches the Ancient of Days and receives dominion, glory, and a kingdom that will never be destroyed. Jesus identifies Himself with this Son of Man. In Matthew 26:64, He speaks of the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.
Here is the hope that stands above the terror of the vision: Christ receives an everlasting kingdom. The powers that frighten Daniel cannot overthrow His dominion. Their authority is temporary; His authority endures.
Verses 26–27 bring the contrast into clear view. The court sits in judgment, the horn’s dominion is taken away, and its power is brought to a complete end. Then the kingdom is given to the people of the Most High. Those who suffered under the beast are not forgotten when God brings judgment. They share in the kingdom He has promised them.
We must not hurry past their suffering to reach that happy conclusion. Verse 21 tells us that the horn prevailed against the saints. Faithfulness to God does not guarantee freedom from persecution, pain, or death. There may be times when evil appears stronger than righteousness and those who love the Lord seem to be losing everything.
But we must not stop reading at verse 21 either. There is an “until.” God has appointed an end to the enemy’s dominion, and His judgment will stand.
What should we take away from this vision? We must be wise in how we live. We must refuse the pride, cruelty, and rebellion displayed by these earthly powers. We must seek the face of God and follow Jesus wholeheartedly, even when doing so becomes costly.
Suffering may come. God’s people may even lose their earthly lives. But the enemy cannot take away the kingdom God has promised them. Our hope rests in the authority of Christ and the faithfulness of the One who judges.
Daniel was alarmed by what he saw, and we can understand why. Yet the vision gives us a reason to remain faithful. The beast’s dominion will end. Christ’s kingdom will endure. And His people will belong to Him forever.
Reflection Questions
1. When evil appears to be winning, what helps you remember that its power is temporary?
2. Are there ways you are tempted to imitate the pride or harshness of the powers you oppose?
3. What might faithfulness to Jesus cost you, and how does His everlasting kingdom strengthen you to remain faithful?
Closing Prayer
Father, this vision reminds me that the suffering of Your people is real and that the powers opposed to You can be frightening. Help me trust You when I cannot see how things will turn out. Keep me from pride, cruelty, and compromise. Teach me to follow Jesus faithfully, even when obedience is costly. Thank You that evil will not have the final word, that Christ’s kingdom will endure, and that Your people will share in what You have promised. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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